Local Tory MPs must speak up say Lib Dems

5.05.22pm GMT Mon 2nd Nov 2009

Following reports in the national press that the Tories are planning to 'reclaim' power over planning decisions for central government, leading local Liberal Democrat Councillors and Prospective Parliamentary Candidates, Sebastian Kindersley (South Cambs) and Jonathan Chatfield (South-East Cambs) are calling on Tory MPs Andrew Lansley and James Paice to speak out against this proposed policy.

"Despite David Cameron's pledge to reduce 'big government'" notes Sebastian Kindersley, "the Tory policy paper states that they would empower the relevant minister to make decisions on wind farms, major roads and other big projects. Having given residents the impression that such powers would be increasingly under local control, this is a major deception."

"We are calling on Andrew Lansley and James Paice to oppose these Tory plans. Plans that would mean decisions on issues like the A14, more runways at Stansted and 'eco-towns' like Hanley Grange and Mereham being railroaded through with little attention to the views of residents and their Councils in South and East Cambridgeshire," adds Jonathan Chatfield.